Abstract: A protective garment comprising a plurality of layers integrated or bonded in a complementary manner protects wearers such as emergency responders against multiple hazards often present in a response area. The layers include a toxicity barrier adapted for visual contrast with toxic substances, such that the toxicity is barrier responsive to toxic substances by varying a response to an optical signal such as a UV light. An impact layer is responsive to projectiles by controlled deformation, such that the controlled deformation prevents passage of the projectile, as EMT response areas are often unsecured crime scenes where firearms may be present. Also, an absorbent layer is responsive to expelled fluids of the wearer such as perspiration, in which the absorbent layer is adapted for unidirectional diffusion of fluids so that moisture does not remain in contact with the skin of the wearer and cause discomfort, irritation, and thermal imbalance.